Brockville Chamber Announces Stephanie Steed as 2025 Citizen of the Year

Brockville – The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce announced on Friday that Stephanie Steed is the recipient of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Award.

Stephanie was born and raised here in Brockville and has since shown outstanding citizenship, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Brockville and the surrounding communities. Stephanie is both a mother and the current Executive Director of the Brockville and Area Community Foundation. Stephanie also supports her family business (Spencerville Pharmasave). Stephanie consistently models integrity, compassion, and visionary leadership. Despite her many responsibilities, she demonstrates a deep commitment to service and leads with a collaborative spirit that uplifts and empowers others.

After joining the Foundation’s Board of Directors in early 2022, Stephanie’s energy, insight and kindness quickly stood out, leading to her appointment as Executive Director. Stephanie is not only a dedicated professional but also a compassionate volunteer, mentor, and lifelong learner. Her leadership is deeply rooted in empathy, an approach that guides her relationships, decision-making, and community work. She leads by listening, by understanding, and by meeting people where they are.

In addition to earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Social Service Work, she has completed a wide range of professional development training, including Bridges Out of Poverty, Suicide Intervention Training, CAMH Triple P Parenting Program, Assault Response & Care Centre Trauma-Informed Training to gain a better understanding of the challenges and barriers experienced by others in the community. Stephanie has made a consistent impact through her volunteerism, most notably through her role as a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions and leadership, Stephanie was honoured as a Top 40 Under 40 Young Professional (2022), a reflection of her positive influence, forward-thinking mindset, and strong presence as a changemaker in the region.

Together with her husband, Stephanie created the Brockville Healthy Families Fund through the Community Foundation, with a goal of providing vital support to local organizations that address essential needs such as mental health, housing, food access, transportation, and education. Drawing on their combined expertise in social work and pharmacy, Stephanie and Evan are helping to shape a healthier, more resilient future for families in Brockville and the surrounding areas.

Her dedication to improving quality of life, promoting fairness, and increasing opportunity is visible in all her work, from her leadership at the Community Foundation to her family’s philanthropic efforts and grassroots volunteerism. Her commitment to excellence and hard work is evident in all her endeavours, whether it is planning a pickleball tournament, or the 50th anniversary celebration of the Brockville and Area Community Foundation or convening a review team to distribute federal emergency funds during the COVID pandemic. Her dedication and enthusiasm inspire those around her.

The chamber will celebrate Citizen of the Year with Stephanie Steed at the Awards of Excellence Gala being held on September 18th, 2025, at the Brockville Country Club.